Go shout! Go whisper…

by Stephanie Fry

I love National Infertility Awareness Week. For me it has become a time of renewal. A time when I can refill and refuel simply by being a part of something bigger than myself. Something bigger than my infertility.

I love how the infertility community comes together and works tirelessly, advocating, legislating, blogging, posting, planning and hosting events both on line and IRL. All in the name of helping others. All to create momentum and awareness which is vital to supporting and educating those who are struggling with infertility.

I love it because it is a time when women and men who are battling infertility can come out and share their stories, some for the first time. I love supporting them no matter how or why they do it – some shouting from the roof tops and some whispering quietly in a trusted friend’s ear.

I love that NIAW shows the world a community and individuals and organizations who are thoughtful, engaged and passionate about helping others. A community that is made up of patients, doctors, advocates, entrepreneurs, mothers, fathers, volunteers, writers, musicians, scientists, embryologists and much, much more.

All this diversity, all this momentum, all these creative people and engaging ideas have something in common. They are out there, sharing information, supporting each other and talking about infertility, in so many different ways.

If you are ready to publically share your struggle with infertility, National Infertility Awareness Week is a great time do it. Here’s why,

NIAW gets national media attention. If you feel like your struggle is or might fall on deaf ears then this week is your best shot at having those you are sharing with hear about the struggle and disease of infertility from someone or place other than and in addition to you.

If you are a member of the infertility community (or not) the amazing energy that is produced on line and across the country this week is positively uplifting and catchy. If you can’t find an event in your area, go ahead and start one or simply follow along on social media and you are sure to be inspired by the sheer numbers and positivity of the community.

So go shout. Go whisper. Share your story with one person or the world.